In early May, I sent out a collection of mask poems
to a publisher. The collection takes the reader through the day on a farm. Most
of the poems are written in pairs (mare and foal, father sheep and lamb, cows
and bull, mother duck and ducklings). A couple of weeks ago, I received a
rejection via email. The editors, however, gave me hope that they would like to
see more of my work. They wrote: Lovely
language, especially our favorite, Mother Duck. Does not fit our needs right
now. Please keep us in mind for future projects.
I have a trusted poet friend who did a critique on
the manuscript for me. After speaking with her, I have decided to do some
revisions. I have already cut the first and last poems as I feel they are
unnecessary…and add little to the collection.
I decided to post those two poems for Poetry Friday
this week.
SUN
I’ll
arise and brighten the sky.
I’ll
bid the night and dark goodbye.
I’ll
shine
shine
shine…
and
light the way
for
arrival of a brand new day.
MOON
Now
that the sun has left the sky.
It’s
time for ME to shine on high…
To
spread my gentle pearly light
For
all the creatures of the night.
It's the month of revisions, so you're in a good place! These are so lovely that it seems a shame to cut them - but you know, that just bodes well for what you leave in! Good luck with this project!
ReplyDeleteOoooo, I'm very excited about the prospect of this collection. I hope it sees fruition!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with this collection. Thanks for sharing these two. They're delightful!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for this collection, Elaine, the reply sounds good! I posted about my love for moon poems a few weeks ago & a discovery of a new one, and now yours! Love that final goodbye to day.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! What a promising "rejection" letter to receive about your collection! Thanks for sharing these two delightful poems.
ReplyDeleteThose two seem perfect for a good morning or good night book. Perhaps you can save them for future collections.
ReplyDeleteWhat an encouraging note on your manuscript. Press on. I think it needs to see the light of day (even though you snuffed out the sun--and moon) from its pages.
ReplyDeleteIf your collection carries the same tone as these two selections, I think you definitely have a winner! These are lovely.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine my children memorizing these when they were little. Sweet and soothing!
ReplyDeleteElaine, I am so glad you are continuing to work on the ms! Cutting is hard, rejections are tough... but oh what joy to keep finding your way! Rooting for you...
ReplyDeleteYou are my hero! Keep sharing stories of submissions and revisions! I can't wait to follow in your footsteps (but first a few more years of this day job!!)
ReplyDeleteSounds great! I wish you all the best with your revisions. It's tough work for sure!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the very encouraging feedback from the editors. I love these two poem - perhaps they will be fun bookends to another collection? I hope so. =)
ReplyDelete